Commitment to Cycling

The aims of the draft Northern Ireland Bicycle Strategy are generally admirable. However it will need to be followed by a Delivery Plan which sets challenging but achievable targets, and provides serious funding, if the Strategy's "fine words" are to be turned into reality.

Government transport data from last year show that the bounce in participation in 2012 has subsided, and cycle use has fallen back to 2011 levels, with the fewest number of trips per person at any point over the last 20 years.

Following earlier announcements of capital funding for infrastructure projects, the Government has now announced the allocations of £64m in supporting revenue funding to encourage the use of sustainable transport.

£2bn announced for new roads or bigger junctions - with almost none on cycling. Meanwhile, the Department for Transport has announced £15m for 2015-16 to be spent on cycle rail improvements, typically additional cycle parking at railway stations.

In mid-April, we launched the national Space for Cycling campaign in partnership with Cyclenation groups across the country. Our new interactive map shows where councillors have signed up so far, and Newcastle leads the way, outside London.